Seven months ahead of the presidential election, Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has decided to again change his prime minister. On 30 December 2017, IBK announced the nomination of Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga, bringing back an experienced and well-known figure in Malian politics. Maïga becomes IBK’s  fifth prime minister since his election in 2013. Born in 1954 in the northern city of Gao, and a journalist by training, Maïga is familiar with the internal politics, diplomacy and security issues of the country. He served as head of the Malian secret services under President Alpha Oumar Konaré and occupied several key ministerial posts, including in the foreign affairs and defence ministries. He resigned as defence minister following the military’s defeat against the Tuaregs during the May 2014 rebellion.  Prior to his appointment, he served as secretary-general to the president from 2016 to 2017. While Maïga’s insider knowledge will be useful when it comes to the northern Mali security situation, his key responsibility may be preparing for IBK’s presidential campaign.